By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Roodepoort magistrate’s court has denied murder accused Tiffany Meek, the mother of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek bail, citing concerns that her release would jeopardise the functioning of the criminal justice system.
Meek faces four charges: murder, obstructing justice, crimen injuria and attempted obstruction of justice.
Meek is accused of killing her own son Jayden-Lee and she was arrested on 11 June 2025.
Her son’s body was discovered on 14 May on the staircase of their home at Swazi’s Place complex in Fleurhof, Johannesburg.
The State alleges that Meek killed her son, went back to her apartment between 4 am and 5 am on May 14, 2025, to remove his body. It was also submitted that she tried to incriminate the school transport driver.
“The totality of the evidence is circumstantial, but it is something that can be pursued to investigate. In this case, the State relies on a combination of forms of evidence, including indirect witness, human behaviour, physical evidence, and scientific evidence,” the State submitted.
The state reiterated its claim that Meek tampered with the scene by moving the deceased’s body from her flat to the staircase where it was found.
In conclusion, the state contended that Meek had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances to warrant bail.
Meek’s legal representative, Noven Naidoo argued that the state did not have a strong case against his client, pointing to the cross-examination of investigating officer Sergeant Nceba Diko, which, he said, revealed “many flaws” in the police investigation.
“ The applicant failed to satisfy this court that she discharged the onus to prove on a balance of probabilities that the interest of justice permits the release from detention in terms of Section 60 (B) of the Act,” ruled Magistrate Annelin Africa.
“Bail is accordingly refused for the applicant.”
Jubilation erupted outside the court as news of Meek’s bail denial spread.
The community members gathered outside on Monday when they said they had great confidence in the State’s case against Meek.
The matter transfers back to the high court for trial, which is set to resume on 17 September 2025.